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2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example

Originally published on July 13, 2023. Updated on July 3, 2024.

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and vice versa). As such, this application can be a good one to tackle early in the process. The deadlines are also early in each round, which lends additional credence to this approach.

To help you get started, we’re sharing a Wharton MBA essay example as well as some tips to use while crafting your own.

Wharton MBA Essay Questions

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Wharton MBA Essay Advice

While the Wharton essay questions read as fairly straightforward, don’t let them lead you down the path of writing bland essays. Run of the mill essays do nothing to help you stand out from the sea of applications Wharton receives. Additionally, despite the generous word count, you will absolutely need to be strategic about what you include – and don’t.

Your Career Goals Are the ‘Anchor’ For Essay One

When it comes to the first essay, the critical thing to keep in mind is that all of your content should be ‘anchored’ by your short – and long-term career goals . If you haven’t given robust thought to these and done your due diligence to ensure they are sound, now is the time to do so.

Once you have defined and refined your career goals, you need to think backwards and forwards.

By thinking backwards, we’re encouraging you to think about the formative experiences that led you to your post-MBA career goals. Perhaps in your work as a consultant you were staffed on a healthcare project that opened your eyes to how complex yet exciting the healthcare industry can be. This sparked your interest in shifting to a strategy role within a healthcare company where you can make a lasting impact on the industry and those it touches. Tell the story of that case, focusing on why it was so eye-opening, so the adcom can really feel your passion and the authenticity behind your goals.

By thinking forwards, we’re recommending that you think very specifically about the skills you need to build to be successful in your target career. Then, research and describe the unique elements of Wharton’s program that will help you to build them. If the examples you cite are offered by other business schools, they are not specific enough to make a compelling argument as to why Wharton will best position you for success. Getting this part right takes work and that is exactly why it matters.

Focus Essay Two on Being a ‘Giver’ Not a ‘Taker’

When it comes to the second essay, take a cue from what Wharton professor extraordinaire Adam Grant’s concept of ‘ givers and takers ’. Whereas the ‘why Wharton’ section of the first essay can cover what you will ‘take’ from the experience, this essay should focus on the ways in which you will be a ‘giver’ while at Wharton and even after graduation. A giver ‘…[looks] to help others by making an introduction, giving advice, providing mentoring, or sharing knowledge, without any strings attached.’

To be in a position to ‘give’, you need to have a unique knowledge base, personality trait, or past experience from which others will benefit. This is the crux of the essay. It is, first and foremost, the place to share what distinguishes you from other applicants. Because the first essay is so career focused, we urge clients to write about something personal here.

For example, a past client discussed how she would use the determination that had helped her overcome personal challenges to motivate her peers in Wharton Women in Business. She went on to describe a specific area of programming she would bring to the club that tied in with some of the personal challenges she had conquered. The essay was strategic, specific, and thoughtful (and it was successful in earning her an acceptance with full scholarship).

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Because it’s often hard to put theory into practice, below is a Wharton MBA essay example from one of our clients who was accepted (with scholarship!).

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1

My experience advising consumer products companies at [company x] and driving strategic go-to-market decisions at [company y] have sparked a fascination with strategy at the intersection of consumer and technology. Coupled with a Wharton MBA and a post-MBA role at a consumer technology startup, I plan to leverage these experiences to, one day, lead the strategy function of a company that disrupts a previously-established market by understanding and changing consumer behavior, like Airbnb or StitchFix.

In my work to date, I have seen both ends of the innovation spectrum, which has driven home the importance of responding to quickly evolving customer needs. At [company x], while interviewing company executives on a project for a multinational food manufacturer, I was surprised to find that they were focusing investment on legacy products that, while historically lucrative, would not position the company for future success in the face of changing consumer trends. In contrast, [company y] makes every strategic play based on customer needs. When customers became increasingly segmented by industry, we reorganized the sales team into industry verticals. When COVID-19 struck, we released [product], a product that helps customers evaluate how to safely restart operations. Combining my [company x] and [company y] experiences, I see an opportunity to leverage a deep understanding of consumer trends, based in data and analytics, to disrupt a consumer market with technology.

To succeed in this journey, I need to build the core business principles that were not a part of my liberal arts undergraduate education and develop my personal leadership style. At Wharton, a double major in Business Analytics and Strategic Management will provide a deep understanding of business fundamentals while teaching me to be an innovative strategic leader. Classes like Managing the Emerging Enterprise with Exequiel Hernandez will provide hands-on experience analyzing high-growth organizations, teaching me the fundamental principles of managing a disruptive consumer technology firm, from early competitive positioning to organizational structure and the strategic and operational art of expansion.

Further, understanding and developing my personal leadership style will be paramount to my future career. By taking part in the McNulty Leadership Program’s Leadership Ventures, such as the Quantico Intensive, I will apply my existing teamwork skills to a fast-paced problem-solving exercise. As someone who has always found growth in situations outside my comfort zone, I am excited to explore my personal leadership traits in this intense, hands-on environment, which will prepare me for the dynamic pace of the consumer technology industry.

Lastly, a leadership position in the Technology Club will provide access to Wharton’s broad industry resources and alumni base, preparing me to hit the ground running in a post-MBA role at a consumer technology start-up. Joining an existing but early stage company will expose me to the ins and outs of my target industry and, as is the nature with start-ups, provide experience playing multiple roles in a dynamic format. This breadth of experience will provide a holistic perspective on a consumer technology company’s growth levers and industry dynamics, solidifying my preparation to serve as a strategic leader.

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 2

My parents nicknamed me “the quiet giant” because I was always the underdog whose determination surprised those who underestimated me. I grew up smaller than my peers, so when my softball coach told me that my size would prevent me from being competitive, I was crushed by his quick judgment of my size. Rather than letting this criticism deter me, I became resolved to prove him wrong. I persistently practiced my pitching technique and, two years later, was the best pitcher in the league, going on to win the all-star championship. In this pivotal moment, I was overcome with pride and realized that success was possible if I kept my will to persevere and pushed past my ‘limits’.

Throughout my life, I have leveraged this determination to benefit the communities and teams of which I have been a part. At [company y], I led a team of ten to create an automated headcount dataset that saved the strategy organization hundreds of hours of manual work each quarter. While this project required strategic alignment and technical creativity, my biggest contribution was my ability to motivate the team. We hit many roadblocks, but I took on every challenge with an open mind, encouraging my team to think creatively and listening receptively to each person’s perspective. As a result, our solution transformed the way the organization reports on headcount growth.

These same motivating principles and teamwork skills will allow me to make valuable contributions to the Wharton community. I look forward to using my determination to help motivate my learning team when coursework is challenging or the demands of recruiting wear on us. Through core classes like Corporate Finance, the difficulty of which has been emphasized by current students, I will work closely with my learning team and encourage my peers to persevere.

As a leader of WWIB, I look forward to working alongside my female peers to build our confidence in business settings and otherwise. As a woman in the male-dominated field of consulting, I have unfortunately felt the impact of being overlooked. After joining [company y], I attended courses on public speaking for women and was encouraged to voice my opinions. As a result of my determination to grow in this way, my confidence and presentation skills improved, which enabled my promotion to Manager. I look forward to continuing to develop these skills within WWIB alongside my diverse and talented female peers.

We hope you found this Wharton MBA essay example helpful and can apply our essay writing tips to your own personal narrative. We’re here to help if you’re struggling. Click here to request a free consultation .

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

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2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jun 17, 2024

Who is Wharton looking for?
How should I answer Wharton essay questions?
Feeling Overwhelmed with the MBA Application Process?
Wharton Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on July 10, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below.

In 1881, Joseph Wharton started the world’s first collegiate business school. In the more than 100 years since, Wharton has maintained its position as one of the world’s top destinations for talented business professionals.

With numerous opportunities (many of them overseas) to develop your leadership skills and build relationships with fellow students, Wharton offers a highly challenging yet highly collaborative approach to business education.

However, with increasing competition to join this innovative, collaboratively-minded university, it’s more difficult than ever to successfully apply to Wharton.

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your Wharton admissions essays to stand out . We’ve rounded up our best tips and links to Wharton MBA sample essays to ensure you give your Haas application your best shot.

1. Who is Wharton looking for?

“Our mission is to develop leaders who act with a deeper understanding of themselves, their organizations, and their communities, and contribute positively to the growth of each.” Wharton Admissions

As one of the most consistently top-ranked business schools, Wharton has become almost synonymous with elite business education. With a strong focus on innovation and their unique Lauder dual-degree program in international studies and Health Care Major , it’s no surprise that Wharton is at the top of many applicants’ lists of dream schools.

Each year, Wharton selects just under 900 students from 70 countries to take part in its two-year program. Though there is no one “perfect” type of Wharton student, the university does favor high test scores. The median GMAT for the Class of 2025 was 728 (slightly down from 733 for last year’s class) and the average GRE score was 162 Quant, 162 Verbal.

Though often called a “finance factory,” Wharton builds a diverse class each year by looking beyond traditional investment banking professionals to fill its class. In fact, the number of Wharton post-MBA graduates breaking into industries like tech has only increased over the past few years. With the launch of Tangen Hall last year, that number is only likely to continue growing.

Beyond the numbers, Wharton tends to value students who demonstrate a collaborative personality, leadership potential, global mindset, and an ability to think outside the box and innovate.

If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering Wharton’s admissions essay questions.

2. How should I answer Wharton essay questions?

2.1. essay 1.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Before starting, you might want to review the tips the Wharton admissions committee gives on how to approach the essays.

In this essay, you have a big task. In around 500 words , you need to discuss:

Context for your goals
Your specific-post MBA goals and why you are pursuing them at this moment
Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
How a Wharton MBA will help you reach these goals

Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other.

First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolute clarity about your goals.

TOP TIP : If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process!

However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context.

For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying:

“I want to become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”

While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:

“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.

I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”

Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA.

An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide.

Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA.

Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school.

Third, add how Kellogg can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to Kellogg because of its ranking will not cut it here.

Instead, show that you understand the unique offerings Wharton’s curriculum provides (I highly suggest you mention the pathway or major you’re interested in) and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. If you have space, it’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community.

End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together.

Need more guidance?

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of Wharton MBA essays that worked to get our clients admitted to help you plan out a winning Wharton essay.

Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join !

2.2. Essay 2

Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For this essay, we highly suggest that you focus on multiple examples. In our experience over the years, 3 ways you plan to contribute tends to work best, though we have seen essays with 2 examples and 4 examples work in very special circumstances.

There are many different ways you can contribute to the Wharton community, so many different stories and “lessons” you can apply at Wharton are valid here.

For example, if you have worked extensively as part of an international team, highlighting a specific experience where diversity was the key to “winning the day” and showing how you would promote diversity while at Wharton could work very well.

Or, you might have a specific ability that has proven valuable in analyzing business challenges, might be an outstanding communicator, etc. There really are endless opportunities for this essay.

When telling your stories, make sure to use the STAR method to ensure you clearly demonstrate what happened, your role in the events, and what you learned. Then, link this lesson to specific resources and opportunities at Wharton, showing how you will improve the overall community.

To create an amazing essay, stay focused, do your research on Wharton, and choose your examples wisely. Showing you’re a leader and team player who fully understands the Wharton experience and who is prepared to contribute to the Wharton community is the key to success.

2.3. Reapplicant Essay

Required Essay for All Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected [on] and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

We have written two extensive posts on how to approach reapplying to business school and on how to handle the reapplicant essay . Make sure to check them out!

2.4. Optional Essay

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

As with nearly all elite business schools, Wharton does not want to see a summary of your profile or a restatement of why you want to attend Wharton.

However, if you have extenuating circumstances that merit additional explanation (a good overview of what kind of circumstances quality can be found here ), make sure to explain them clearly and directly.

Looking for Wharton MBA essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

3. Feeling Overwhelmed with the MBA Application Process?

Navigating the complexities of MBA applications can leave you feeling overwhelmed , especially when each program requires unique essays, resumes, and recommendation letters. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into the trap of submitting a generic application that gets you dinged.

That’s where we come in. With a 98.9% success rate , our team of expert MBA consultants at Ellin Lolis Consulting has a proven track record of transforming applications into success stories. Through our personalized consultation process , we dive deep into your profile, helping you tell your story in a way that resonates with admissions committees and gets you into top business schools. From interview preparation to essay edits, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

If you’re ready to stand out in the admissions pool, learn more about working with us today. Let’s make your MBA dreams a reality!

4. Wharton Deadlines

The deadlines below apply to the 2024-2025 application cycle. You can start your online application here .

Wharton Round 1 Deadlines

Application Deadline : September 4, 2024

Interview Notification : October 24, 2024

Decisions Released : December 10, 2024

Wharton Round 2 Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 3, 2025

Interview Notification : February 19, 2025

Decisions Released : April 1, 2025

Wharton Round 3 Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 2, 2025

Interview Notification : April 18, 2025

Decisions Released : May 13, 2025

Wharton Deferred Admissions Deadlines

Application Deadline : April 23, 2025

Interview Notification : May 29, 2025

Decisions Released : July 1, 2025

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

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Wharton MBA Essay Examples

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Wharton MBA Essay Samples

Wharton looks for exceptional career trajectory, quantitative chops, and demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. In recent years, they have worked to deemphasize the GMAT so it’s not quite as rigid as it once was as in order to diversify class. With less emphasis on stats, the Wharton essays are essential to showcasing character and experiences.

Successful Examples of Wharton MBA Essays

As a Wharton MBA, I plan to seek opportunities that exploit my strengths contributing to team environments. First, I thrive in settings where I can leverage my broad knowledge base and strong analytical foundation to help solve problems across a number of functions. Similarly, my empathetic style of leadership has been effective in engaging a range of perspectives and voices towards a common goal. Both aspects position me uniquely to take on roles where I can bridge Wharton with the surrounding community.

Dance education is an initiative I’m highly motivated to support, as dance has been an amazing therapeutic outlet for me. The countless hours I’ve spent bhangra dance moves have been both highly meditative and endlessly entertaining. Dance is also perhaps the most powerful unifier of people I’ve ever experienced. All personal differences seem to wash away when people can join around their common love of dance. While at Wharton, I plan to combine my appreciation for performance and excitement to engage with the community by working with Wharton Dance Studio, which brings Wharton students together in a broad variety of styles and and cultures, for events such as the Wharton Dance Studio & India Club’s joint Bollywood Fusion Diwali Dance Workshop. Whether teaching, organizing live events for the community, or even taking the stage as a dancer myself, I am excited about the range of ways I can spread the joy of movement through the Wharton Dance Club.

Another area of personal interest where I intend to contribute meaningfully to the Wharton community is golf. I played golf extensively growing up, but talents lie less on the fairway and more in the front-office. For years, I have maintained an avid interest in the advanced analytics of golf as a scouting / decision-making tool, even going so far as to create my own statistical models. As a widget industry professional, I’ve become well-versed in the emerging technology companies advancing the applications of data analytics to the golf handicap industry. Working with the Wharton Golf Club, I am eager to help lead the Wharton team competing at the MBA Masters tourney at Duke University and the annual Spring Scramble, and I would love to organize teams of Wharton golfers to work with inner-city Philadelphia high school and collegiate kids, helping to promote the adoption of advanced golf statistical handicapping to elevate athletic performance at the amateur level.

My short-term post-MBA goal is to join the Strategy and Operations team at a widget tech firm such as well-known-companies-that-recruit-at-Wharton A and B, to gain experience in creating growth opportunities in digital widgets. Long-term, I hope to become the COO of a widget-tech firm and drive the expansion of widget inclusion, particularly in REGION X where I grew up.

Widget inclusion is in a state of disarray, both in the United States and around the world. While going to college in COUNTRY X, I learned about the struggles migrant workers faced in accessing the widget services they needed. Foreign domestic helpers and construction workers told me how difficult it was to do xxx, yyy or zzz in countries where they lacked institutional ties. I became interested in Widget-tech after seeing widget-tech companies’ potential for expanding inclusion and widget literacy issues.

The Wharton MBA will prepare me to become a leader in the widget-tech industry. In my consulting experience at CONSULTING GIANT X, I have worked primarily with traditional widget manufacturing corporations, and developed expertise in improving risk management operations. I want to use the Wharton MBA to build on my experience while learning about managing operations more holistically across an organization, and developing relationships and expertise in the widget-tech industry.

Wharton’s Strategic Management major and elective offerings will help me succeed in a strategic and operational role. STUDENT 1 (Wharton’2X), recommended the course “Managing the Established Enterprise,” which provides frameworks on generating value and competitive advantages. “Technology Strategy,” taught by Professor Rahul Kapoor, will help me apply this knowledge to the widget industry specifically. Learning more about Professor Kapoor’s research on managing emerging technologies will also help me understand the market applications of new widget technologies.

Beyond the classroom, I will gain hands-on experience through participating in an Independent Study Project with the Widget Center for Innovation. STUDENT 2 (Wharton’2X) told me about her project identifying opportunities for technological innovation for Widgets Inc. Projects like these will provide me with new real-world insight into how technology is transforming conventional widgeting models.

I also plan to use Wharton’s Widget-tech Club to build ties in the widget industry. I will benefit from the community-building event and content development support the club facilitates. I am particularly interested in Career Treks related to digital widgets and manufacturing, and the annual widget-tech Conference. Listening to speakers such as Famous Executive, Strategy and Operations Lead at Widgets-R-Us, who spoke at the 2022 Conference, I will learn from industry leaders who are in roles I someday hope to inhabit. Current club member STUDENT 3 also told me about the club’s focus on member education and how it helped him communicate effectively when networking with widget-tech firms. The weekly lunch-and-learns and alumni fireside chats offered by the club will also deepen my content expertise and credibility in the widget industry.

Speaking with students and alumni showed me the supportive nature of Wharton’s community and I look forward to leveraging Wharton’s global network throughout my career in the widget industry.

When I was in my freshman year of high school, I signed up for the girl’s [sport] team. However, as the tryouts neared, I got cold feet; I had only played [sport] for one year prior to ninth grade. The high school coach was also my gym teacher, and she knew I was supposed to go out for the team. I could not imagine telling her that I had gone back on my word, so I dragged myself to the first practice.

That turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made. My coach gave us individualized cards before every game with that day’s goals—evidence of how deeply she cared for her players. I was a starting player by my sophomore year, and she would make me yell out directions to organize my teammates. This included telling the seniors who to cover, which was intimidating. Her confidence in me translated into confidence in myself, and I went on to play for her in the state championship game my junior year. We were not the most-skilled team in the state, but preparation, dedication and hard work helped us achieve a better record than we would have otherwise.

I continued to play in college, where my experience was completely different. At [College], we barely had enough players to field a team my senior year, so we had to recruit from the women’s [sport] and [sport] teams and other athletic friends. Learning to compete with an eclectic group of women with drastically different skill levels was a challenge. But remembering how to motivate individuals and focus on strengths helped me to succeed as captain.

My experience playing [sport] has shaped my career thus far by helping me to find ways to win in the competitive world of sales and trading and equity research. I know it will affect my contributions to the Wharton community as well. By trying out for the team my freshman year, I learned that I need to put myself out there—even if it’s uncomfortable—to gain new experiences and grow individually. I will be very active in on-campus groups, like Women in Business and Wharton’s Fintech club. Given all of the opportunities to get involved in business school, I understand the dedication it takes to get things like the Women’s Summit across the finish line. [Sport] also taught me how to empower individuals and work with a diverse group of people. By recognizing each person’s strengths, I will not only bring my Learning Team together, but also contribute to a greater sense of togetherness across the teams I am a part of at Wharton.

Finally, I would also like to contribute to the greater Wharton community by helping to coach [sport] locally in Philadelphia. I believe extending my network beyond Wharton’s walls will strengthen my leadership development, and I hope to inspire confidence in other young girls who are just beginning to think about their careers.

I am an avid runner, and am empowered by the physical feats my body is capable of. I share this outlet by volunteering with [Nonprofit], a [Description of Nonprofit]. Most recently, I [Description of achievement]. Reaching this milestone together required teamwork, leadership and commitment to action, all of which I will bring to the Wharton community.

As a team of mentors, we were charged with leading participants through a 10-week training program prior to our big event. Each week, we integrated our different professional backgrounds to appeal to the members’ diverse personalities. May, an outdoor adventure leader, was accustomed to exerting control in chaotic environments and expertly channeled energy into physical activity. June, a special event planner who is used to calming her clients in high-stress environments, easily dug into people’s underlying emotions to understand their excitement or concerns for race day. On my Wharton Learning Team, I will leverage this same collaborative approach to tackling challenges — actively contributing my own perspective and encouraging my teammates to do the same, all while pushing the group to integrate our ideas into the strongest possible response.

As we prepped the girls for the event, I gained a deeper appreciation for how passion develops leadership. I am passionate about our work, but I feel even more strongly about using it to empower the younger community. This heightened sense of purpose motivated me to work through challenges and help our members reach their goals. As a member of Wharton’s PE/VC Club and Wharton Women in Business, I will use my passion for improving businesses through investment and promoting women’s leadership to enhance the clubs’ respective communities and execute events. I am particularly eager to serve as Co-President of Wharton Women in Business and work with my team of Co-Presidents to host the Wharton Women’s Summit.

Finally, inspired by a member of my [Nonprofit] team, I will promote a commitment to action while at Wharton. AAA had struggled to gain her parents’ support during the season, but nonetheless continued to compete with a quiet determination. The day before our big event, she confided in me that she had been apprehensive about being able to do it, knowing that her parents would not be among the supporters. However, she also revealed her excitement to compete and to share in the success of her friends. Their collective hard work superseded her fears. Wharton’s campus celebrates the same type of commitment to action on behalf of others that AAA so maturely displayed that day. I will channel this practice by serving on the Deans’ MBA Advisory Council, deepening my understanding of the diverse initiatives of my peers, and then promoting their interests across the broader community. I aim to augment Wharton’s culture of sharing in each other’s successes, just as AAA did for our team.

In my Research role at [Company], I cover industrial companies that have been around for decades. I’ve noticed that in these organizations, the most exciting work is being done in the newer, software-led divisions. That’s why after graduation, I would like to expand my knowledge of new technologies in a digital transformation consulting role at a firm like Bain or BCG. Ultimately, I would like to be COO at a financial services or fintech company like PNC, Paypal, or Betterment.

To reach these goals, I hope to gain a better understanding of operations to complement my finance background. Classes in Wharton’s Operations, Information and Decisions department, such as “Information and Business Transformation” and “Enabling Technologies,” would provide a strong foundation and help me be in on the conversation about how businesses of the future will be run. Joining the Fintech club will increase my exposure to smaller growth companies and developing technologies, while allowing me to network with likeminded students.

Wharton can also help me develop the skills necessary to succeed in an upper-management position. I would take “Managing the Emerging Enterprise” to learn how to not only retain and attract talent, but also improve organizational processes. Further, I know I would benefit from taking classes with Adam Grant and Stew Friedman in particular. “Negotiations” would help me build a critical skill, and “Executive Leadership” would give me the tools to become a better leader inside and outside of work. I am also eager to learn how to encourage employees to bring their “whole self” to work.

I plan to network with [Alum] co-founder and CEO of [Company], and ask him about his experience running a fintech company and the impact his platform has had on smaller business.

[Alum], [Company] founder, is another alum I would like to connect with. I want to know how he grew his company and how customer demands have changed over the last few years as data analysis has become more mainstream. I am also interested in learning about investor’s openness to using this information to make investment decisions.

Finally, I intend to join Wharton Women in Business to network with classmates and industry leaders. I also hope to assist in organizing the Wharton Women’s Summit and bring inspiring female trailblazers to Philadelphia to share their experiences and accomplishments. I believe broadening my perspective through leadership expeditions and my classmates’ experiences will make me a more effective leader. Wharton’s diverse alumni network, leadership programs and faculty will help fill the gaps in my background and put me in the best possible position for a job in a digital consulting and ultimately for a COO role at a fintech or financial services company.

I love traveling to interview potential investment targets’ management teams; I have talked with executives at organic food producers, auto manufacturers, concrete block fabricators, and 30 other unique businesses. However, I have yet to encounter more than one woman serving in a senior-level position. I need a Wharton MBA to change this statistic.

In the short term, I will use my MBA to transition to a private equity investment role at a multinational investment firm like Carlyle, Blackstone or KKR. By capitalizing on Wharton’s advanced elective finance classes, I hope to sharpen my analytical proficiency and deepen my investment strategy knowledge.

I will complement the core’s rigor with electives such as The Finance of Acquisitions and Buyouts, which will expose me to real-world investment scenarios and improve my understanding of nuanced transaction-related details. Further, Wharton’s Learning Team model will enhance my perspective as I work with my team to incorporate our diverse backgrounds into problem solving. As [Alum] has proved, Wharton is unmatched in developing well-rounded investors and teammates.

Ultimately, I hope to leverage the leadership skills I develop at Wharton to land an executive position in the private equity division of a global investment firm. I intend to use my platform to campaign for the promotion of women to leadership positions across the industry. Through courses such as William Lauder’s Decision-Making in the Leadership Chair, I will have direct exposure to C-suite professionals and learn how to both position myself for a similar role and overcome challenges once in the position.

At the Diverse Perspectives on the Wharton MBA event in NYC, [Alum] recommended Stew Friedman’s Total Leadership to learn how to think about personal and professional fulfillment. I developed a greater appreciation for the role fulfillment can play in women’s career decisions while serving on a women’s initiative task force at [Company]. This course will be instrumental in achieving my future goal of campaigning for more female industry leaders.

I also intend to put classroom lessons into practice by serving as a Venture Fellow. I am intrigued by [Alum]’s role as a Fellow for the Andes Leadership Venture, which she detailed during conversation at an Admissions event in NYC. Just as she applied learnings from this experience to her role at the [Organization], I will do the same as an executive within a global investment firm.

Wharton’s clubs will further contribute to my development. Wharton Women in Business will serve as an excellent platform to refine my knowledge of women’s professional challenges across industries, and the Wharton Private Equity & Venture Capital Club will expose me to the diverse investment backgrounds of my peers. I also intend to serve as a Co-Chair for the PE/VC Conference, and I will use the opportunity to expand my network within the investment industry.

Wharton will help me develop the nuanced thinking and bold leadership necessary to incite change for women across the financial services industry.

My long-term goal is to combine my experience in finance and my passion for technology by starting and leading a technology company in China as a CFO. I developed an appreciation for technology companies during my time with Firm Q. I always believed they help to boost innovative ideas and make great products affordable to people from all walks of life. When I later moved to Bank, I got to know these companies more in-depth through working in the leading technology research team. I came to understand that business and innovation often go hand in hand. I want to lead a technology start-up of real social impact and propel innovation with the power of finance.

To achieve this goal, I intend to first earn an MBA and then work in Investment Banking M&A covering the technology sector in a major bank such as Goldman or Morgan Stanley after graduation. Working in the primary market would allow me to look at the technology industry from a different angle and help me be more prepared for my ultimate goal of building one of these companies.

Wharton gives me access to the tools I will need to succeed. Distinguished alumni such as Person 1 and Person 2 have spoken at length about their Wharton experiences. At Wharton, I will not only gain the knowledge needed for a leadership role in a tech start-up, but also attain deeper understanding of finance and how it functions inside and outside start-ups. Courses such as Venture Capital and Finance of Innovation, International Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship through Acquisitions, and Enabling Technologies will provide me with insights into how finance connects with technology start-up companies in a global setting.

The role I envision for myself is that of a CFO. However, startups don’t often have the luxury of a full executive suite so I will need to sharpen my leadership and knowledge application capabilities. Speaking with ’17 student Tracy and attending info sessions, I got excited about Wharton’s broad array of courses and extra-curricular activities that emphasize leadership. Courses such as Managing the Emerging Enterprise and the Executive Coaching and Feedback Program will be central to developing my leadership skills. Besides, the Mack Institute for Innovation Management is an excellent platform for me to apply knowledge learned in management courses and develop practical approaches. In addition, I am extremely interested in the Global Immersion Program, which could offer me valuable insights through practical experience of direct interaction with local business leaders, managers, and government officials.

Outside the classroom, I will take leadership roles in the Technology club and Entrepreneurship club, where I will connect with students of similar belief and passion. Moreover, the strong Wharton alumni network in China also sets a solid foundation for my long-term career development.

Wharton is the school that not only helps me achieve my short-term goal, but also prepares me for my long-term goal by providing knowledge across subjects, leadership and immersive application training, extra-curricular activities, and community.

When I was twelve, I traveled alone to California to visit my mom’s former colleagues. While enjoying my first cup of Starbucks, I introduced Chinese traditions such as green tea and Beijing opera into these foreigners’ lives. As a Chinese girl who inherited traditional cultural values yet has also obtained a global viewpoint from living in Hong Kong and many visits to the U.S., I will contribute to Wharton by blending the western and eastern cultures and enhancing communication between both sides.

In the classroom I will contribute my deep accounting and finance knowledge and insights into the technology industry such as Apple’s supply chain competitive landscape. My international background and global perspective will allow me to provide the class with fresh angles to approach problems. In learning groups I will contribute to discussion and teamwork by playing various roles including teammate, motivator, and leader. My previous experience working with international teammates at Firm A and Bank Z strengthened my teamwork and communication skills.

In student clubs, I will contribute through taking a leadership role in the Technology Club and leveraging my contacts with technology companies and experts. For example, I could invite the CEO of StartUp Q, a leading Chinese artificial intelligence player, to talk about AI development trend. I will also join the Asia club as an officer and help with organizing the annual Asian Business Conference. I successfully organized the ABC Conference under the competition started by Wharton and the World Bank. I also attended the Harvard JKL Conference as a delegate. These experiences make me prepared to lead and contribute to the club. As an experienced student club leader, I will use my skills to identify merits in each teammate, utilize their strengths, and motivate the team.

Lastly, I want to contribute through community service. Specifically, I will apply to the Wharton Nonprofit Board Leadership Program. My commitment to community service started during college when I founded a social enterprise aimed at helping underprivileged families in Hong Kong bringing their handcrafted products to market. I worked at a Non Profit, 123 Health, on the project planning team at Uni. I am ready to contribute, and also excited to learn more Board skills at Wharton.

My perspective has been shaped by experiences spanning three different countries, and I am committed to sharing my unique experiences with the diverse Wharton community.

My long-term plan is to launch a company focused on providing solutions that allow teachers to tailor academic content to students based on their individualized needs. I have been involved in the education sector for many years, as a tutor throughout high school and college, and currently as a board member for Los Angeles Teach for America. I have long been interested in educational technology given its potential to dramatically alter the engagement level and overall learning process for students and enhance the education system. To achieve this goal I first need an MBA and an initial strategic planning role in an early stage education technology company, such as ABC Learning or Real Knowledge, where I will gain more experience in the industry, develop better cross-functional skills, and learn how to build a young business. Wharton is the first step on my journey.

While my undergraduate education and professional experiences have provided significant practice in the fields of finance and accounting, I will expand that exposure at Wharton across the full spectrum of other business functions such as strategy, sales and marketing, and operations. Courses such as Professor Siggelkow’s Strategy and Competitive Advantage will teach me to build competitive advantage for an enterprise through strategic decision-making, a key topic to meet my near-term career objectives. Entrepreneurial-focused learning like the Formation and Implementation of Entrepreneurial Ventures class will help as well, as I’ll learn to build and implement an effective start-up business model. Outside of the classroom, Wharton’s Entrepreneurship Club will offer exposure to different ideas and business plans developed by classmates, provide the opportunity to connect with alumni and learn from their entrepreneurial experiences, and serve as a network for potential funding sources down the road. Across both classroom and extracurricular activities I am excited to learn from the varied and diverse experiences of my peers in the Wharton community and benefit from their unique perspectives.

Personally, a Wharton MBA will further enhance my softer management and leadership skills. I am excited to take Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership which will allow hands-on development and application of these skills from the very beginning in Pre-Term. I also plan to serve as a Board Fellow in the Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, which will combine an interactive leadership learning opportunity with the ability to give back to local non-profit organizations – a continuation of the non-profit board work I have enjoyed over the last several years. Taking on a leadership role in the Entrepreneurship Club will give me additional experience leading a group of my peers and increase my engagement in the entrepreneurial community at Wharton. Lastly, I look forward to developing strong relationships with classmates during the program and with other Wharton alumni more broadly. The unique talents of classmates and global reach of Wharton’s deep alumni network will provide an invaluable source of ideas, resources and guidance throughout my career and entrepreneurial endeavors. Ultimately, Wharton serves as the ideal platform for me to continue my professional and personal development to achieve my career goals.

To me, academic engagement encompasses the whole Wharton learning community. I see myself contributing through the classroom, clubs and volunteer organizations.

In the classroom, I will help my learning group going through the fixed core because of my academic background and my professional experience in finance and consulting. My college coursework includes honors econometrics along with undergraduate and graduate level courses in regression analysis. This background will allow me to help my group as we go through Regression Analysis for Managers. Additionally, my professional experience will be valuable in Marketing Management which covers customer segmentation and pricing strategy, among other topics. As a consultant, I worked on several growth strategy projects based on customer segmentations. At ABC Private Equity, I helped develop pricing strategies for various businesses including a dental lab, a chain of ambulatory surgery centers and a software company. My professional experience will help me contribute to classroom discussion in elective courses outside the fixed core. For example, I plan to take Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. At ABC Private Equity, I negotiated reimbursement rate increases with health insurance companies and a multi?company deal for document printing services with a print vendor.

I also plan to contribute through leadership roles in student clubs such as the Healthcare Club. I believe that I could leverage some of my contacts in the healthcare industry to help organize a speaker series for this group. I could reach out to Mike Jones , a former president of XYZ Healthcare, to speak about the implications of healthcare reform legislation. I am working closely with Mike to develop a reimbursement management strategy for our clinical lab business.

I would also seek an officer position with the Technology Club. My experience creating web applications including a procurement management app and a pricing calculator for a dental business will make me a valuable addition to that club; I can help students from non?technical backgrounds become conversant in programming concepts.

Finally, I would like to contribute through volunteer activities. I will apply to the Wharton Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, and hope for a board position at a nonprofit focused on child/teen education. I firmly believe in the value of education and this has led me to help educate others. This started in college, where I worked as a calculus teaching assistant and continues today. I currently volunteer, through DEF Scholars, as a mentor helping underprivileged high school seniors apply to college. I also volunteer with XYZ Tutoring, a nonprofit providing free ACT prep to Chicago Public School students. At XYZ, I lead a team of three programmers building a web portal for students to take practice tests.

Wharton brings together students from diverse backgrounds to create a pool of complementary knowledge, talent and connections that all can draw from to accomplish their goals. Everyone must be willing to give into the pool. I value this dynamic and am committed to contributing.

Professionally, I want to further develop skills needed to achieve my career goals. My short term goal is to join a corporate strategy team at a large healthcare company. Subsequently, I would transition into a management role at one of that company’s business units. I would then pursue a CEO position at a mid?size healthcare IT business such as Vitera Solutions. I grew up close to someone with a chronic illness. This situation created turmoil in my family and eventually led to my parents divorce. The condition eluded effective treatment until one doctor found a combination of six drugs that brought the symptoms under control. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare and particularly healthcare IT, where data mining can be used to identify novel treatment combinations. To reach my career goals, I need to refine my leadership and analytical skills.

Ive demonstrated leadership potential through projects inside and outside of work but need to further develop as a leader to be highly effective in corporate strategy, as a manager, and as a CEO. I would accomplish this at Wharton through coursework and extracurricular activities. Specifically, I would take courses focused on leadership including Executive Leadership and Advanced Persuasion. Outside the classroom, I would take advantage of the Executive Feedback and Coaching Program. I would also participate in the Tall Ship Sailing leadership venture, first as a participant and then, hopefully, as a venture fellow.

At Wharton, I would improve analytically by learning to better apply academic theory to business problems. I studied economics and mathematics at the University of Chicago. Whereas Wharton’s philosophy is Knowledge for Action, the University of Chicago’s could best be described as Knowledge for Theory. This training gap has prevented me from fully utilizing economics/statistics to solve business problems. I would address this at Wharton through collaboration with other students and faculty on research projects. For example, I would apply for a Mack Institute Research Fellowship to explore novel ways to use patient data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Personally, I want to make close friends who share my interest in business. I met most of my close friends in college. Very few went into business. I could build similarly close relationships with other students at Wharton through my core learning group and student clubs. I have been impressed with the professional aptitude and personal qualities of the Wharton alums that I have met in my career and would be excited to build friendships with others like them. As an example, I worked on a project with John Smith (WG 99), an executive at CDE Medical. John is not only one of the smartest guys I have ever met, he is also one of the nicest.

Wharton is the only program that can help me attain my professional and personal goals: developing skills inside and outside the classroom to be an executive of impact, and forming networks and lasting friendships with like?minded individuals.

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A Wharton MBA Essay Example and Tips for Making Yours the Best They Can Be

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and vice versa). As such, this application can be a good one to tackle early in the process. The deadlines are also early in each round, which lends additional credence to this approach. To help you get started – don’t delay, the clock is ticking for Round 1! – today we’re sharing a Wharton MBA essay example as well as some tips to use while crafting your own.

Wharton MBA Essay Questions

How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Wharton MBA Essay Advice

Your career goals are the ‘anchor’ for essay one.

When it comes to the first essay, the critical thing to keep in mind is that all of your content should be ‘anchored’ by your short- and long-term career goals. If you haven’t given robust thought to these and done your due diligence to ensure they are sound, now is the time to do so.

Once you have defined and refined your career goals, you need to think backwards and forwards. By thinking backwards, we’re encouraging you to think about the formative experiences that led you to your post-MBA career goals. Perhaps in your work as a consultant you were staffed on a healthcare project that opened your eyes to how complex yet exciting the healthcare industry can be. This sparked your interest in shifting to a strategy role within a healthcare company where you can make a lasting impact on the industry and those it touches. Tell the story of that case, focusing on why it was so eye-opening, so the adcom can really feel your passion and the authenticity behind your goals.

Focus Essay Two on Being a ‘Giver’ Not a ‘Taker’

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Because it’s often hard to put theory into practice, below is a Wharton MBA essay example from one of our clients who was accepted (with scholarship!).

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 2

The post A Wharton MBA Essay Example and Tips for Making Yours the Best They Can Be appeared first on Vantage Point MBA .

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Wharton MBA Essay Examples

Read these Wharton MBA essay examples for some inspiration when writing your own! The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania is considered one of the best MBA programs in the world , and getting accepted is tough. The Wharton MBA admissions essays are one way for you to give your application a boost and stand out. In this blog, we’ll look at how to write an MBA essay for Wharton School of Business, what the requirements are and some samples to help guide you.

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Article Contents 6 min read

How important is the mba essay for wharton.

Wharton School of Business is a part of the HSW trinity, along with Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business , and is considered one of the best MBA programs in the US and globally. Wharton’s reputation as a top business school and its relatively competitive admissions means it is challenging to get accepted. The acceptance rate at Wharton is around 12%, which is quite selective for an MBA program. Wharton also receives thousands of applications every admissions cycle. This means successful applicants need to not only have a strong application, but they also need to stand out from a pool of competitive applicants.

The Wharton MBA essays are one way to help distinguish your application, strengthen your candidacy and personalize your application. Wharton is looking for more than a high GPA, impressive GMAT scores and a stellar MBA resume . You need to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. You need to share why you want to pursue an MBA and how you will contribute to the MBA program at Wharton.

As you’re preparing to write your Wharton MBA essays, keep in mind the school’s mission and values. Your aim should be to demonstrate as much as possible how Wharton’s specific MBA program will contribute to your achieving your goals, how your experience and background will contribute to Wharton and why you have chosen Wharton, in particular, over other MBA programs. Wharton’s mission statement is:

“Our mission is to develop leaders who act with a deeper understanding of themselves, their organizations, and their communities, and contribute positively to the growth of each .”

As you can tell, leadership and self-awareness are important at Wharton. The admissions committee also wants to hear your genuine voice and perspective. Wharton highlights these three tips when it comes to writing your admissions essay:

Don’t worry about word count at first
Be yourself
Connect your ideas

For the first two tips, it’s a reminder to dig deep and self-reflect on your personal and professional decisions. Let your genuine voice shine through your essay. And as for the word count, worry about editing your essay later, or ask someone to proofread your work for you.

As for connecting your ideas, your essay should seamlessly connect ideas about where you are coming from or what you have already done, what you hope to learn or accomplish after your MBA, and lastly, why Wharton is the program that will help you do those things. It’s important to have a strong answer to the question “why Wharton?” and share which specific aspects or values of the school drew you in.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing your MBA essay, check out our Wharton MBA essay samples below, or look into an MBA essay writing service or MBA essay consultant to help you craft a stellar admissions essay.

An MBA personal statement is one of the common MBA requirements and acing the Wharton MBA essay questions is an important step. For the traditional MBA program at Wharton, there are 2 required essays, an optional essay, and a required essay for any reapplicants. Your essays are written in response to specific prompts set by the school. These questions ask you to share your motivations, experiences and career goals, beyond what can be found in your MBA extracurriculars or work experience.

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are:

This optional essay can be useful for applicants who have a gap or weakness in their application. For instance, if you need to know how to explain a low GPA in an MBA application or how to explain gaps in your MBA resume. Other applicants might use this optional essay to explain a period of unemployment if they are applying to an MBA while unemployed or have a major career change. ","label":"Optional Essay","title":"Optional Essay"}]' code='tab1' template='BlogArticle'>

Check out these Wharton MBA essay examples to help spark some ideas for writing your own! Or read some Harvard MBA personal statements or Stanford MBA personal statement examples if you’re applying to the HWS trinity of MBA programs.

Wharton MBA Essay Example #1

Prompt: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words max)

Having worked in a dynamic corporate environment for several years, I have developed a solid foundation in strategy and leadership. However, to achieve my entrepreneurial goals of becoming an app developer serving international travelers and students abroad, I recognize the need for a more comprehensive skill set and a deeper understanding of global business practices. The Wharton MBA program provides the perfect platform to bridge these gaps and take my career to new heights.

The Wharton MBA program's commitment to social impact and entrepreneurship perfectly aligns with my aspirations. The access to the Wharton Social Impact Initiative and the extensive entrepreneurship resources will empower me to develop sustainable business models and effectively tackle social issues. The program's emphasis on ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility will further shape my understanding of the intersection between business and social impact, enabling me to drive change as a responsible leader in the corporate world. Furthermore, Wharton’s emphasis on experiential learning through real-world projects and case studies will enable me to develop practical problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset, which are crucial for effective decision-making in complex business scenarios.

Wharton’s extensive courses covering technology, analytics and finance will be essential for developing my understanding of the industry and provide me with practical, real-world skills I will need to achieve my goals. I am especially intrigued by the program’s courses on Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, and Digital Marketing and e-Commerce, which is an area of my professional skillset I am keen to develop further.

Lastly, Wharton's strong network of alumni and industry connections will offer unparalleled opportunities for internships and networking, allowing me to gain hands-on experience and forge valuable relationships. As an aspiring entrepreneur, fostering these partnerships and collaborations are essential to my success and continued learning as I find new career paths.

By leveraging the Wharton resources, I am confident that I will emerge from the Wharton MBA program as a transformative leader, ready to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to both the business community and society at large.

Prompt: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words max)

Drawing upon my diverse background encompassing personal, professional, and academic experiences, I am eager to contribute to the vibrant and dynamic Wharton community. The program has many unique and enticing student clubs and activities which have piqued my interest. By actively engaging in traditions such as Follies and student clubs like the Brewmasters' Guild, I aim to foster a sense of camaraderie, creativity, and innovation, while also leveraging my skills to enhance the Wharton experience for my fellow students.

I have cultivated a passion for performing arts throughout my life, and I believe that my background in theater and comedy will bring a unique perspective to the Wharton community. I plan to contribute to the Wharton Follies by utilizing my creative talents in writing, acting, and directing. I am a long-time participant of the Wildfire Improv Troupe in [city] and I have participated in the [city] Fringe Festival as a comedic actor, director and playwright for the past 6 years. By participating in Follies, I hope to entertain and engage my peers, creating a space for laughter and lightheartedness amidst the demanding academic environment. Through collaborations with fellow students, I aim to create memorable performances that celebrate the diverse talents within the Wharton community.

My professional experiences have fostered strong skills in event planning, organization, and team leadership. As a member of the Brewmasters' Guild at Wharton, I intend to utilize these skills to contribute to the community in a distinct way. By organizing and hosting beer tastings, workshops, and networking events, I seek to create a platform for students to explore the art and science of brewing while cultivating a sense of community. As Philadelphia is a hotspot for microbrewing and craft beer making, I am excited at the prospect of exploring what Wharton and the city have to offer my taste buds.

I am eager to see how my passions will blossom and add to the student community at Wharton, and how I might use my professional and extracurricular skillsets to enhance an already vibrant and exciting community.

Your Wharton MBA essay should share the highlights of your professional experience so far, why you want to pursue a Wharton MBA, what your future career goals are and why Wharton’s MBA program will help you achieve them. Your essay should be no more than 500 words.

To stand out in an MBA essay, it’s important to be genuine and allow your natural voice to come through. You should answer the prompt as directly and fully as you can, while remaining succinct and within the word count. Share specific career goals you have and concrete reasons why you chose the school you are applying to.

Wharton MBA has one of the lowest MBA acceptance rates in the US , as it is also considered one of the best MBA programs in the world and is highly selective. So, getting into Wharton MBA is quite challenging.

The Wharton MBA essays have a word count limit of 500 and 400 words for the required essays. The optional essay prompt has a word count limit of 500 words.

The Wharton MBA essays have fairly straightforward essay topics. They ask you to explain why you chose Wharton and what your future career goals are, and they want to know how you will meaningfully contribute to the Wharton MBA program.

Some of the biggest things Wharton looks for in its applicants is professional maturity and demonstrated leadership. This means no matter your career background, you should show a progression of professional development, responsibility and a variety of contributions to the workplace. What you’ve done for work or how many years of experience you have is less important than how and how much you contributed to your field.

Wharton has 2 required essays. The prompts are: “How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton” and “Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?”

Yes. Wharton receives thousands of applications every year, and your MBA personal statement or admissions essay is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself from all the other applicants. Your MBA essay also reveals important information about you and your goals that the Wharton admissions committee will want to know.

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Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025

When you hear “Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania,” the first thought that pops into your head might be “Finance!”—and understandably so, given the Wharton MBA program has been a leading institution in the subject of finance since the school was founded in 1881. But what you may not realize is how much of a powerhouse UPenn Wharton is in other business domains. Its marketing and customer analytics courses are cutting edge, while aspiring entrepreneurs will find loads of resources in Wharton’s new Tangen Hall, the largest student entrepreneurship hub in the world.

UPenn Wharton asks candidates to submit two essays as part of its application. As you will see once you examine the essay prompts (as we do in detail below), Wharton really wants to know two things: What can Wharton do for you, and what can you do for Wharton? To compose an effective response, you will need a strong grasp of Wharton’s offerings as well as which of those offerings will be most valuable for you. Though you should demonstrate in these essays that you have done your homework on the program, remember that the admissions committee ultimately uses the essays to learn more about you.

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Wharton does us by favor sharing exactly what we would recommend for a career-oriented essay. In short, one of the easiest ways to approach this question is to present a brief overview of your relevant past experiences, share what you hope to do after business school, and then explain how Wharton will help get you from where you are now to where you want to go.

Your past: Do you have a defining professional experience from your past that you can share, perhaps something that clarifies how you became interested in your target career or reveals what motivated you to apply to business school? You might even highlight a story or vignette that relates to one or more of Wharton’s key values.
Your goals: Give the schools a sense of where hope to head after graduating from Wharton. Contrary to what you might hear from others, you do not need to be overly specific (though if you have clearly defined goals in mind, by all means, communicate them!). What is more important is that you have at least a general sense of where you are headed and that your plans make sense in the context of your past experiences.
Why Wharton: You should dedicate approximately one-half of the allotted word count to the “Why Wharton?” element. Before you begin working on your essays, do some in-depth research on the Wharton MBA experience and identify specific reasons the program appeals to you. For example, which classes are you excited to take? What will you major in? Which skills and experiences do you need to have to be able to achieve your career goals, and which offerings at Wharton will provide them? Which clubs will you join, and what role(s) will you play in them? Remember, Wharton wants to know specifically what you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA (not just any MBA program in general). Give Wharton every confidence that you can clearly imagine yourself on campus and that you fully understand why it is the right MBA program to help you advance toward your professional goals.
When researching Wharton, go beyond the school’s materials and website and also sign up for virtual classes and contact and speak with students and alumni. As you do your research, your goal is not to find the most unique or little-known classes or resources; instead, you want to identify several offerings that will enable you to close the gap between where you are now and where you want to go after business school.

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

While the school’s first question is about how Wharton can help you, this second one is about how you can help Wharton.

To start, let us share a potentially uncomfortable truth, but one you need to keep in mind with respect to this essay. All of the following contributions are incredibly valuable, but you should assume that many—even most—other Wharton applicants can offer them as well: analytical skills to help classmates who might struggle with some of the initial coursework (this scenario is actually extremely rare), a robust network, a willingness to help (other) international/LGBTQAI+/minority/etc. classmates get settled, and an interest in being an alumni mentor and/or interviewer. Does that mean that under no circumstances should you mention any of these? Of course not! But if you do, you absolutely must offer clear stories and reasons that substantiate why you are (or will be) especially adept at what you propose.
Regardless of what you choose to highlight, your essay should not end up being just a laundry list, in part because you do not have enough space to enumerate a large number of ideas, but more importantly, because this is about quality , not quantity. In your mere 400 words, you want to highlight two or three examples (not referenced in Essay 1) of how you will participate in the community—the Wharton community, the Penn community, and/or the Philadelphia community more broadly. How can you make an impact? Have you identified a gap in the school’s offerings that you could help fill or a way of improving something that is already available (innovation!)? Can you offer something relatively unique based on your personal experiences and background? What would you do, and what role would you take?
A key part of this essay question that applicants often overlook is the intro phrase: “Taking into consideration your background.” Wharton is asking not just about what you expect to do, but why . What is motivating you to participate in the activity you mention? How does it connect with your life experiences, good or bad? Of all the many things you could choose to be involved in at Wharton, what has prompted you to focus on this one?
And to set the record straight, you do not have to avoid getting personal or worry about being “basic.” The main thing is to be authentic. For example, if you are an expert skier or a wine connoisseur, stating that you plan to join the ski club or wine club is perfectly acceptable, but you need to then go a step further and explain what you specifically can bring to the table.

To summarize, the key with this essay is not just telling the admissions committee how you anticipate being involved as a Wharton student but also why doing so is important to you and what impact you will have.

More about Wharton:

We have added this section because too often, we hear candidates dismiss Wharton because they assume Wharton is either too competitive or too focused on finance. While Wharton is full of driven, ambitious students, so is every top business school; collaboration on campus is still pervasive. Likewise, Wharton’s finance curriculum is top-notch, but so is its prowess in marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship and more. See below for more thoughts on what Wharton is really about and what it seeks in applicants. These notes can be helpful as you consider what to write about in your essays.

At Wharton, collaboration is crucial to success. From its team-based admissions interviews to the structure of its learning teams, Wharton demonstrates again and again that working with others to achieve a mutual goal is held in high regard. With respect to its essays, highlighting teamwork examples can therefore be useful, but note that a team involves people in many different roles, and various types of leadership are valued. Do not feel you must present an example of professional success or a team you “led” to be able to submit an effective essay; examples that demonstrate other types of leadership, or other roles on a team, can be equally or even more effective. (Note: If you are not familiar with the McNulty Leadership Program and what it offers, quickly reviewing it would be worth your time.)

Wharton has tried hard to break free of its former reputation as mostly a “finance school,” and one of the ways it has succeeded is by embracing innovation , through its courses, venture conferences and competitions, and student body. Demonstrating that you have an interest in being innovative, or in engineering change in any form, can help convince Wharton that you will be a good fit with its program.

Your analytical skills can be communicated through your GMAT/GRE scores and your undergrad coursework and GPA, but if your skills are lacking—and even if they are not—your essays (and/or your resume) can offer additional avenues through which to show the admissions committee your analytical prowess. Wharton wants to see quantitative proficiency, so make sure to show evidence of such. Note that we are using the word “show” here intentionally; you want to include examples that effectively “show” the admissions committee that you possess these skills, not just tell the schools that you have them.

In an effort to create future leaders with a global mindset , Wharton prides itself on the diverse makeup of its student body, with members hailing from around the globe. Describing the experiences you have had across different regions and cultures, and explaining what you learned/gained from those experiences, can reveal your ability strengthen the student body.

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Wharton MBA Essay Analysis & Examples

Analysis of wharton's mba essay 1 and essay 2 with several essay examples from past wharton mba applicants..

I Overview II Analysis Essay 1 III Analysis Essay 2 IV Wharton Essays 1 + 2 Example – Associate Consultant V Wharton Essay 1 Example – Business Intelligence Scientist VI Wharton Essay 1 Example – Public Sector Consultant VII Wharton Essay 1 Example – Medical Doctor Intern

This article offers general guidance for crafting your Wharton MBA essays and features essay examples from past applicants. While the essay examples may be what brought you to this page, I urge you to delve into the essay overview and analysis sections as well. If you’re considering applying to several MBA programs, explore additional MBA essay examples and topic analyses available on mbaSTORY.builders for a comprehensive understanding.

The Wharton admissions committee has two goals a) to select the best applicants and b) to balance the skills, aptitudes, backgrounds, and experience of individual participants to create a diverse incoming MBA class.

Any top-20 MBA admissions committee can take half of the applications it gets and throw them in the proverbial poubelle (that’s French for garbage). They can do that right off the bat because at least half of applicants won’t meet their baseline criteria (at Wharton baseline criteria = 710+ GMAT). Other criteria include ‘insufficient work experience,’ ‘lackluster recommendations,’ ‘low GMAT/GPA,’ ‘too old,’ etc. For the admissions committee that’s the easy part. The challenge is in what to do with the other half of the applications – the ones that aren’t in the garbage.

Now the admissions committee needs to distinguish the super-excellent candidates from the merely excellent ones. But if the admissions committee were to take the academic and file data from all competitive c

The problem is that candidates with ‘good numbers’, ‘good jobs’ and proven abilities are all astonishingly similar to one another. What makes one stand out from the pack are a) a great, story-based resume (the backbone of any application), and b) good essays.

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II Analysis Wharton MBA Essay 1

Essay 1: how do you plan to use the wharton mba program to help you achieve your future professional goals you might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at wharton. (500 words).

This is a classic Career Goals/Why MBA? essay. There are five main components to a Career Goals/Why MBA? essay:

The Past : Personal and professional experience that have brought you to this moment in your life and have planted the seed for your future ambitions.
The Present : Why do you want an MBA at this point in your personal life and professional career?
The Future : What are your short and long-term goals/vision and how will you leverage your experience as a student, your MBA degree and the alumni network to achieve those?
Why an MBA? : Why an MBA and not another kind of degree or why not forego a degree altogether in favor of just working and networking your way towards your goals?
Why Wharton? : Why do you want an MBA from this school in particular?

What I like about these five components is that you can start off by answering them one by one. Then you can mix and match the components into paragraphs that flow well together. You don’t necessarily have to begin by talking about the past.

Here is an example of how you might leverage the five components to create your own, unique outline. You could lead with your short-term goal to transition from consulting into non-profit strategy (The Future). Then you might give us some of the backstory: What you’ve done in the past (work or personal experiences) and how that led you to be extremely passionate about the non-profit world (The Past). Next you might talk about how an MBA from Wharton will enrich you on a personal and professional level such that you’ll be uniquely prepared to take on future challenges (Why an MBA?). Finally you might circle back to your future vision and paint a picture of where you hope to be in 10-15 years time (The Future).

In this essay you need to discuss your professional goals and very briefly contextualize why those goals are realistic for you within the context of your career progression to date. You then need to aboard how you will leverage and engage with the resources at Wharton in order to pursue and reach your goals. You can do that by showing the Adcom that you understand the school’s offering and have given thought to how you will engage with the Wharton community and all the school has to offer. Don’t just rattle off a few course offerings, but look for deep connections between your goals and interests and the activities you plan to participate in. If you’re a bit stumped, take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left list resources at Wharton that will benefit you. On the right list resources at Wharton that you can impact upon and benefit through your knowledge, experience or interests. Basically you’re breaking things down into take and give relationships.

When thinking about the personal growth aspect of this essay I would encourage you to have a good think about what your true weak points are and how you might leverage your two years at business school to work on them. Would you like to be just a bit more extroverted? You’ll have plenty of opportunities for public speaking and voicing your opinion in the classroom. Has your leadership experience been limited to superior/subordinate type situations (with you leading from the front as the superior or you leading from the middle as the subordinate)? Think about how you might gain experience you don’t have by leading peers in your study group or being the president of a club? Do you just want to get outside of your comfort zone? Think about how a trek to a foreign country or the Wharton Follies might help you do just that. The idea here is to simply demonstrate a certain level of maturity and self-awareness.

III Analysis Wharton MBA Essay 2

Essay 2: taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the wharton community (400 words).

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IV Example Wharton MBA Essays 1 + 2 Example - Associate Consultant

Wharton mba essay 1: how do you plan to use the wharton mba program to help you achieve your future professional goals you might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at wharton. (500 words).

As a member of Accenture’s Transfer Pricing Team, I helped multinational organizations determine the price at which goods and services ought to be ‘sold’ between internal business units. An economist by training, over the course of many interviews with client-side managers, I developed an appreciation for the technical and political complexities of corporate operations as well as a deep understanding of GAAP accounting practices. More recently, as part of the Data First Advisory Team, I find myself leveraging creativity and economic research methodologies in equal measure to solve for unique and often unprecedented business problems: for instance, estimating the present-day value of land confiscated from the Sioux First Nation 160+ years ago or working out whether cannabis legalization in the State of Wisconsin will negatively impact Pabst beer sales.

In 20XX I was invited to join Accenture’s nascent Global Warming Advisory Team thanks to my track record of creating innovative environmental evaluation analyses such as a tool that helps communities identify environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects. Convincing clients to embrace progressively-minded ideas is extremely satisfying. In the future, I want to continue in that vein by helping companies to build profitable business strategies that are not just ‘sustainable’ but that proactively benefit the environment. Post-MBA I plan to do that as an Associate with a consulting practice like McKinsey Sustainability or the Bain Center for Climate & Sustainability. In the long-term I see myself transitioning to a client-side corporate strategy role with a focus on marrying sustainability and profitability.

I’m drawn to companies like Whole Foods which now give customers a choice between electric vehicles and conventional ones when using their grocery delivery service. This appeals to consumers’ desire to embrace green businesses and supports electric vehicle manufacturers. It’s a win-win scenario for Whole Foods, its stakeholders, and the environment. While most climate change news one reads about in the Wall Street Journal centers on the challenges it presents to businesses, there are likewise opportunities to ideate, innovate, and ultimately, profit.

Over the next two years, I hope to develop a better understanding of the environmental and financial issues and the complexities around operations, design, and communication that are key to crafting good business strategy. At Wharton I hope to combine traditional business courses such as Professor Allon’s Operations Strategy , with elective courses such as such as Professor Kousky’s Environmental Sustainability and Value Creation . Wharton’s Global Immersion Program will expose me to best practices in sustainable strategy from leading countries like Germany and Costa Rica. There are just a few of the many opportunities at Wharton that will equip me to drive business transformation that leads to long-lasting climate action.

Wharton MBA Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Cost-benefit analysis is a technique that weighs the pros and cons of each variable involved in a decision. For example, in choosing to pare down its product portfolio, a company may weigh an initial decline in sales against the benefit of a product offering that is easier for consumers to understand, lower marketing costs, a decrease in the number of parts held in inventory, etc. At Accenture, I use cost-benefit analysis to help clients make decisions ranging from public transit investment to regulatory design. I also host presentations to internal teams and clients on the power of this technique which forces a person to document how they assign relative importance to each variable; something that people generally do subconsciously (without realizing it).

I would love to share my knowledge with the Wharton community; exploring new ways to use the technique. I could do that by hosting workshops for students who seek to enter sectors where decision prioritization is critical – namely the energy or transportation sectors via the Energy Club and Future Mobility Club . Hopefully other classmates might find the topic interesting as well, integrating the approach into their own decision-making. I would also like to engage with the Business, Climate, and Environment Lab to share my experience in evaluating the financial and non-financial impact of sustainability programs and to discover new ways in which this technique could be used in my own future, sustainability-centric professional journey.

My significant other, Andrea, is a fan of those personality quizzes one runs into online or in magazines and since meeting her in 20XX, I’ve completed enough to know that ‘inquisitive’ and ‘good listener’ are two of my defining personality traits. Besides making restaurant ordering tricky (as a foodie I always have too many questions for the server), being inquisitive and a good listener has facilitated conversations with stakeholders which have in turn allowed me to successfully lead complex client projects. I’ve come to appreciate the fact that there is almost never just one right answer or one path to it.

At Wharton, I will no doubt be working alongside incredibly accomplished and smart peers. In small team settings I hope to use my listening skills and ability to respectfully question ideas to help my team refine its ideas. Outside the Wharton classroom, I look forward to participating in the business school’s annual Innovation Challenge where I would likewise help facilitate brainstorming sessions while sharing my knowledge of frameworks from Deloitte such as the ‘Playing to Win’ framework, a playbook to develop and execute ideas.

In conclusion, I look forward to benefitting from and contributing to the dynamism that is the hallmark of the Wharton community – both as a student and as an alumnus of the school. I thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

V Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Business Intelligence Scientist

“I don’t think we’ve seen the tip of the iceberg. We’re on the cusp of something exhilarating and terrifying.”

“It’s just a tool though, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not, no. The actual content is going to be so different to anything that we can really envisage at the moment. The interplay between the user and the provider will be such that it’s going to crush our ideas of what (communication) mediums are all about.”

This was a 1999 interview with the BBC. The medium in question was the internet. Journalists were still printing articles questioning whether the worldwide web would truly catch on. At the same time, the interviewee, David Bowie was clear-eyed and prophetic in his assessment of its potential. As a musician, Bowie was an expert communicator and therefore knew a thing or two about mediums ; songs being the primary way people got news prior to the internet’s precursor (i.e. Gutenberg and his printing press).

Like Bowie, I also feel (even in 20XX) that the internet and emerging technologies such as Chat GPT, are full of unrealized potential. One lesson I’ve learned during my career is that technology can’t be understood in isolation. It must be studied in conjunction with its human user. Together the two create a sort of Gestalt, which is larger and more complex than the sum of their parts. I mention this because a great deal of my work at T-Mobile has been at the intersection of technology, data, and human psychology.

At T-Mobile people are likewise at the heart of my work as a Business Intelligence Scientist. I’m currently working with a talented group of contributors on our new 5Ghome internet product line, a top priority for senior leadership. In its first year (20XX-XX) home internet drew 32 million home new subscribers, a figure that continues to grow. Lately I’ve been deepening my understanding of what drives a customer to entrust T-Mobile with their business by creating marketing ‘personas’ and dialoguing with end users. Their input is a luxury that can help the team quickly home in on an issue or a previously overlooked area for improvement, but it’s a luxury that we don’t always benefit from. Sometimes, oftentimes actually, we must work independently, with incomplete information, to identify and deliver on client needs.

That was the case a few months ago when I was asked to assess whether our network could deliver reliable data transmission for Boeing’s fleet of TU2SU drones. A multimillion-dollar contract was at stake, and while the sales team had only requested a yes or no answer, I felt that it wasn’t sufficient to really sell Boeing on partnering with T-Mobile. Instead, I imagined I built a drone prototype over the weekend so that I could walk into that Monday morning meeting and show rather than tell . The sales team was surprised, my boss was pleased, and Boeing signed on the dotted line. Although I consider myself to be first and foremost a team player, I’m equally comfortable thinking and acting independently and will successfully navigate the demands of the online MBA program by drawing on professional experiences like this one as well as the self-reliance I developed as a new immigrant to the U.S. in 20XX.

I’m looking forward to leveraging my lessons learned in conjunction with the formal business and leadership education offered through the Wharton MBA to transition to a product management role overseeing T-Mobile’s network infrastructure.

While a background in both engineering and product is a net strength, I lack formal training in accounting, financial analysis, human resource management, and business strategy; to name just a few areas where an MBA would shape me into a more well-rounded businessperson. To that end, the Fundamentals of Business course with instruction in financial accounting, microeconomics, and statistics, would serve as the perfect foundation for electives. I’m also eager to enroll in Managing Inside the Firm which delves into topics like employment law, operations, and organizational behavior as well as Strategic Planning for Growth and Technology and Information Systems Management . Improving my leadership skills is another one of my goals in undertaking an MBA hence my interest in Wharton electives such as Management Communication for Leaders and Business Environment and Leadership .

Reading about Timor Smith’s experience as a Wharton MBA, and how the program helped him transition from programming to product management, I was even more convinced that Wharton is the right place for me to pursue my own goals while contributing to the business school community. I look forward to connecting with you and thank you for your time in reviewing my application.

VI Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Public Sector Consultant

I wanted to let you know that my client came in today upset because we still cannot process her case. She’s raising three grand kids, and her only income is her RSDI. The food bank near her won’t have boxes until Wednesday.

In early March of 20XX, e-mails like the one above flooded my inbox. The issues stemmed from the implementation of the California Integrated Eligibility project, a computer system responsible for administering government assistance programs including food stamps and welfare. The personal stories of these individuals hit home, reminding me of the challenges my own family had faced in the past and the importance of my current work for the citizens of California. Back in 1992, my family had emigrated from the Ukraine, penniless and escaping impending war. The U.S. government helped my parents feed our family while they learned English and secured employment.

Working within the public sector over the last three years, I’ve realized that the same fundamental business challenges private enterprise face, such as budgeting and managing changes in policy and technology, are fundamentally the same one stack led by governmental organizations. After honing my business skills at Wharton, post-MBA I hope to return to public sector consulting to deliver strategic and fact-based policy recommendations. In the public sector, our stakeholder is the everyday taxpayer who rightfully demands that their money be spent judiciously. I view managing large-scale projects that improve access, lower overhead, and provide effective government services as worthwhile and gratifying professional endeavors.

I’ve been impressed by the strategy and data-driven policy recommendations developed by firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. In fact, the project I’m currently implementing for the State of California is founded on strategic advice from McKinsey on freeing individuals from a cycle of poverty through effective job training.

One policy issue I’m particularly drawn to is food availability in rural and inner-city areas, where a lack of grocery stores limit access to nutritious food and negatively impacts quality of life. By majoring in Business Economics and Public Policy, I want to learn to leverage analytical frameworks to promote effective policy decisions. To that end, courses like Introduction to Business Economics and Public Policy, Risk Management, and Urban Fiscal Policy would be particularly relevant.

In addition, courses that address policy implementation on the global stage, such as Conflict, Leadership and Change: Lessons from Rwanda , are unique to Wharton and would allow me to stretch myself beyond a purely domestic perspective.

Through case studies and in-classroom discussions I know that my fellow students and professors will challenge me, helping me to question presumptions and expand my understanding of international affairs. That process is crucial for anyone who aspires to develop effective policy in the globalized world. I also hope to build a strong network of fellow classmates interested in tackling similar domestic and international challenges.

I’d like to bring my perspective and experience on governmental policy and my vision for the future of governmental services to Wharton and I’m eager to grow my leadership skills within the Wharton community of distinguished professors and swell as my future classmates.

VII Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Medical Doctor Intern

While the goal I set for myself when I embarked on medical school – to impact both human health and individual lives in concrete terms – hasn’t changed, after much reflection I’ve decided to recalibrate my career ambitions from practicing medicine as a doctor to working at the intersection of business and science.

Reaching my goal requires curiosity, creativity, and a penchant for innovation – characteristics that I’ve sought to cultivate as a student, medical intern, and active participant in my family company, Lejos Group, and its charitable arm.

At Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid, I helped reduce infection spread by collaborating with a team of peers in developing a unique system of flash cards that alert staff to the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) to use for individual patients. As a Junior Board Member at Lejos Group since early 20XX, I’ve tried to be a change agent, advocating for diversification and outside management. Last year I spearheaded the revitalization of our charitable arm – bringing in outside board members and introducing best practices in strategy setting and outcome measurement.

With the benefit of an MBA from Wharton Business School, I plan to pursue a career at the intersection of healthcare and technology. That could mean joining an innovative company such as San Francisco-based Enlitic or Boston-based PathAI, both of which help doctors make more accurate diagnoses through artificial intelligence, or securing a position within the innovation center of a large pharmaceutical company. Johnson and Johnson has four such centers where businesspeople and scientists collaborate to identify investments in promising medical innovations from leading companies and universities.

With a view to the long term, I hope to return to the Lejos Group – a platform from which I hope to either start up or invest in a cutting-edge healthcare company.

While my education in life sciences and my formation as a medical doctor have taught me to be a team player and to use critical thinking to tackle complex problems, I lack the foundational business knowledge that will prove crucial to me in my future professional endeavors. I look forward to participating in core Wharton MBA courses like corporate finance, operations, and marketing before enrolling in pertinent electives. One such class is Managing Health Care Organizations which places special emphasis on measuring performance as a first step to tangible improvement. Professor William Alexander’s course Strategies and Practices of Family-controlled Companies represents an opportunity to think more deeply and strategically about the future of Lejos Group. I believe that honing one’s leadership skills is a lifelong endeavor. Wharton’s Leading Effective Teams is a thought-provoking course that emphasizes techniques that can be used to diagnose and intervene in issues within team settings.

If offered the opportunity to join the Wharton MBA class of 20XX, I plan to bring my optimism, energy and professional knowledge to the community in order to build new and long-lasting friendships and advance my dream to impact others through technology applied to healthcare.

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Wharton Essay Examples & Tips, 2024-2025 - mbaMission
The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples. As a pair, the prompts for the two required application essays for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania essentially ask candidates to describe a kind of give-and-take with respect to their engagement with the MBA program. For Essay 1, you must discuss what Wharton can do for you, and ...
Wharton MBA Essay Example & Tips | Vantage Point MBA
2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example. Originally published on July 13, 2023. Updated on July 3, 2024. The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and ...
2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays
To create an amazing essay, stay focused, do your research on Wharton, and choose your examples wisely. Showing you’re a leader and team player who fully understands the Wharton experience and who is prepared to contribute to the Wharton community is the key to success. 2.3. Reapplicant Essay.
2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example | Beat The Gmat
Updated on July 3, 2024. The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and vice versa). As such, this application can be a good one to tackle early in the process.
Wharton MBA Essay Examples - Stacy Blackman
Wharton MBA Essay Samples. Wharton looks for exceptional career trajectory, quantitative chops, and demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. In recent years, they have worked to deemphasize the GMAT so it’s not quite as rigid as it once was as in order to diversify class. With less emphasis on stats, the Wharton essays are ...
A Wharton MBA Essay Example and Tips for Making Yours the ...
Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1. My experience advising consumer products companies at [company x] and driving strategic go-to-market decisions at [company y] have sparked a fascination with strategy at the intersection of consumer and technology. Coupled with a Wharton MBA and a post-MBA role at a consumer technology startup, I plan to ...
Wharton MBA Essays & Analysis 2024-2025 - Clear Admit
As you work on your Wharton MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s offerings: Last updated June 3, 2024. Clear Admit's Essay Topic Analysis provides detailed advice on how to tackle the Wharton MBA essays for the 2024-2025 admissions season.
Wharton School of Business MBA Essay Examples - BeMo
For the traditional MBA program at Wharton, there are 2 required essays, an optional essay, and a required essay for any reapplicants. Your essays are written in response to specific prompts set by the school. These questions ask you to share your motivations, experiences and career goals, beyond what can be found in your MBA extracurriculars ...
Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025
Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words) Wharton does us by favor sharing exactly what we would recommend for a career-oriented essay.
Wharton MBA Essay Analysis & Examples - mbaSTORY.builders
IV Wharton Essays 1 + 2 Example – Associate Consultant. V Wharton Essay 1 Example – Business Intelligence Scientist. VI Wharton Essay 1 Example – Public Sector Consultant. VII Wharton Essay 1 Example – Medical Doctor Intern. This article offers general guidance for crafting your Wharton MBA essays and features essay examples from past ...

2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example

Wharton MBA Essay Questions

Wharton MBA Essay Advice

Your Career Goals Are the ‘Anchor’ For Essay One

Focus Essay Two on Being a ‘Giver’ Not a ‘Taker’

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 2

Leveraging Online Courses and Certifications to Strengthen Your MBA Application

2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips and Example Essays

1. Who is Wharton looking for?

2. How should I answer Wharton essay questions?

2.2. Essay 2

2.3. Reapplicant Essay

2.4. Optional Essay

3. Feeling Overwhelmed with the MBA Application Process?

4. Wharton Deadlines

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Wharton MBA Essay Examples

Wharton MBA Essay Samples

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Wharton Essay Questions and Strategic Guidance, 2024-2025

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

More about Wharton:

Wharton MBA Essay Analysis & Examples

II Analysis Wharton MBA Essay 1

III Analysis Wharton MBA Essay 2

IV Example Wharton MBA Essays 1 + 2 Example - Associate Consultant

Wharton MBA Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

V Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Business Intelligence Scientist

VI Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Public Sector Consultant

VII Example Wharton MBA Essay 1 Example - Medical Doctor Intern

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